From LeBron’s block to Jordan’s 41: the greatest NBA finals MVPs

With the Warriors v Celtics series in full flow, we look back at the individuals who stepped up when the championship was on the line

Dirk Nowitzki earned his only championship playing against the Heatles," the Miami super team formed when perennial All-Stars LeBron James and Chris Bosh took their talents to South Beach to join Dwyane Wade, yet another perennial All-Star. Game 1 of the series immediately gave the oddsmakers reason for concern. In a tense, low-scoring affair in Miami, Nowitzki used a splint to shrug off an in-game torn tendon in his left hand before hitting the game-winner with the very hand he injured. He then won Game 4 despite having a sinus infection and a fever of 101F, confirming his now undisputed ability to play excellently through trying circumstances.